April 13, 2017

Potato hash with kale and apples. I do believe kale might be a pregnant woman's best friend!

It's good for people not carrying babies, too, of course, but it seems to be especially beneficial for those of us who are expecting.

It's packed with fiber, which is crucial since digestion slows down SO MUCH during pregnancy. It's also rich in calcium, folic acid, and vitamins A, C, and K. My doctor recommended calcium supplements, so I know it's extra important in forming a strong baby. Folic acid can help prevent birth defects of the baby's brain and spinal cord. Vitamin A is crucial for a healthy immune system for both mother and child. Vitamin K is less familiar to me, but it apparently keeps the blood vessels strong during pregnancy, when the added blood flow becomes crucial to the uterine system. (Just a little Pregnancy Nutrition 101 for you there.) :)

Kale is also pretty high in iron, which is key for me since I've been borderline anemic at times. It rivals spinach as the most iron-heavy dark leafy green vegetable. Eat it, Popeye!

So. Those are the reasons why I gave up resisting kale and began to eat it regularly. This hash has been my favorite way to prepare and consume it, as it offers a variety of textures and tastes with fairly little prep work. I haven't had a side dish as hearty, delicious, and nutritious as this one in a long time!

Directions:
First, in a medium pan, heat a splash of olive oil on medium-high until hot, then add the potato and season with salt and pepper.
Cook, stirring occasionally, 7 to 9 minutes, or until browned and slightly tender.
Add the apple and onion to the pan; season with salt and pepper.
Cook, stirring occasionally, 2 to 3 minutes, or until slightly softened.
Add the kale and cook 2 to 3 minutes, or until slightly wilted.
Add the mustard and water; cook 3 to 4 minutes, or until the kale has wilted and the water has mostly evaporated.
Transfer to a serving bowl or plate and garnish with the almonds. Enjoy!

It's a pretty salad, Grace, but I just can't love kale! Spinach yes, all kinds of lettuce, yes. Not kale. I do like it in soup, however. Kind of have the same problem with quinoa. Oh well....life goes on. Happy Easter, Grace!

No Matter what yo say I don't like that prickly darn Kale. i have to admit that adding all those other nice things may make it palatable but, nah. I don't like. ( I am sure your baby is loving it though)

I'm still lukewarm on kale... I'll eat it very occasionally. Baby kale is more likely that I'll eat it. But, I do love these additions and you are right that it's a super eating choice for pregnancy. I ate so many prunes lol.

We normally get to eat fresh kale in winter in Germany, but I realize now I have not bought once this last season. What a shame! I must search for it, maybe I can still get some, I love a good potato hash and to mix some kale into it sounds great.

So did I miss an announcement somewhere??? My first pregnancy was when I started "counting my veggies" After I figured if I'd been doing it for 9 months I might as well continue! This is a perfect dish for that. My two favorite kale recipes are Broccoli Kale Salad http://artofnaturalliving.com/2015/11/15/fall-kale-and-brussels-sprout-salad/ and Tuscan Kale Salad http://artofnaturalliving.com/2015/09/10/tuscan-kale-salad/